Tomball’s Griffin, McGill sign to play at the next level

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, February 9, 2016

TOMBALL - Tomball High School celebrated National Signing Day with a ceremony honoring soccer’s Joan Griffin football’s Matt McGill in the Tomball field house, Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Griffin signed to play with St. Edward’s University in Austin, while McGill inked his commitment to East Texas Baptist in Marshall.

Griffin started every game for the girls’ soccer team her freshman and sophomore year, before losing most of her junior season to injury. She rebounded, coming back to help the Lady Cougars advance past the second round of the playoffs, playing all 100 minutes and scoring a penalty kick to help defeat Pflugerville Connally.

Girls Soccer head coach Martha Fancher reflected on what Griffin has meant to the Tomball soccer program before the signing ceremony.

“It is one of those things where you’re happy, but you’re crying,” Fancher said. “Joan is a kid you don’t replace. She’s a legacy. She’s the kid that you’ll talk about, and she’s embodied what it means to be a Cougar.”

Griffin, who has played a significant role in the expansion of interest in soccer in Tomball, helping to shape and define the trajectory of the program the last few years, expressed her excitement to play for St. Edward’s, crediting Fancher with preparing her for that next step.

“All the years in the club and practicing are definitely paying off,” Griffin said. “I’m really excited to play in college. I can’t wait. I know under [Fancher’s] tutelage that she’s prepared me for the next level.”

McGill, who accumulated 15 solo tackles, five for loss, with three sacks at defensive end during his 2015 senior season, will represent Tomball at the collegiate level for East Texas Baptist University. Football head coach Danny Ramsey praised McGill’s superlative work ethic.

“We can’t replace Matt in terms of leadership,” Ramsey said. “His work ethic is ridiculous. It’s what got him to this point. They’re really excited knowing that they got a guy they’re not going to have to get on to get the work done.”

McGill expressed his excitement about signing, describing it as the culmination of many years of hard work, and the beginning of a new chapter in his football career.

“It’s very exciting,” McGill said. “It’s been a long road. I’ve been playing football for about twelve years now, so it’s been one of the things I’ve been trying to do.”

Ramsey said of McGill - like Fancher of Griffin - that he was impossible to replace.

“For us, it’s a huge loss,” Ramsey said. “Matt is versatile. He’s played on both sides of the ball. I couldn’t ask for more from an athlete.”